A pool heater is an important part of a swimming pool’s comfort and safety. Depending on the climate where you live, you may need a heater to keep your pool warm enough for comfortable use throughout the year.
If you are wondering how pool heaters work or what the different types of heaters are, this guide is for you. We will discuss types of heaters, their costs, pros and cons, and how to buy the right one for your pool.
The pros and cons of pool heaters
Gas Pool Heaters
Gas pool heaters work by burning natural gas, which heats up internally and then passes through a heat exchanger that heats the water entering the pool pump. The hot water then flows from the pool pump into the plumbing system of the pool, where it is distributed to the pool heater
Advantages of Gas Pool Heater
- Efficiency: Gas pool heaters are much more efficient than electric or solar-powered models. With gas-powered units, you’ll enjoy up to 50% greater energy efficiency compared to one-hundred percent electric models.
- Save money on energy costs. Gas pool heaters are some of the most energy-efficient options out there, which makes them a smart choice if you’re concerned about rising utility prices.
- Gas pool heaters run on gas, so they are natural when it comes to heating your pool. When you use a gas heater, you do not have to rely on the sun’s heat or the air temperature around the pool area.
Disadvantages of Gas Pool Heater
- Gas pool heaters are not environmentally friendly due to the high carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions resulting from natural gas combustion.
- Gas pool heaters have a short lifespan – usually six years or less. Over time, the heat exchanger can become clogged with sediment, which will reduce efficiency and cause the heater to malfunction. But if you maintain them properly, they can last for decades without breaking down.
Solar Pool heater
Solar pool heaters are a great idea for households that want to enjoy the warm water of a swimming pool in the colder months of the year. Solar panels absorb heat from the sun and then store it inside an insulated storage tank. The stored heat is then used to heat your pool’s water.
Advantages of a Solar Pool Heater
- Clean and green: the sun is a great source of power, renewable and clean energy.
- Save money: there are no fuel bills to pay, no running costs for solar heating once you’ve installed it, so it’s good for your pocket;
- Versatile: the technology can be used to heat water for your home, swimming pool, or hot tub;
- Refined design: many new designs have a smaller impact on the environment than traditional systems, and some of the more recent models look great too.
Disadvantages of Solar Pool Heater
- Takes up space; One of the biggest disadvantages of solar pool heating is that it takes up valuable space in your home. Space isn’t necessarily an issue if you have room for it, but it’s something to think about if you have a smaller yard or place your pool where it blocks your view.
- Limited effectiveness in cold climates; One of the major disadvantages of solar pool heating is that it is less effective in cold climates than in warm climates since it depends on the sun’s energy for heat.
- Solar pool heaters are also not aesthetically pleasing. They can be bulky and look unsightly in the pool area.
Electric Pool Heaters
Electric pool heaters run off of electricity from the main electrical panel in the home. The amount of power used is determined by the size and type of installed heater.
- Advantages of Electric Pool Heaters.
- Better suited for small pools.
- Less expensive to operate.
- More energy efficient.
- They are environmentally friendly and don’t release harmful emissions into the air.
Disadvantages of Electric Pool heaters
- They tend to be more expensive than gas or solar heating systems.
- You have to pay high installation prices- pools with odd shapes or sizes will need someone qualified for the job.
- Electric heating systems may not be as efficient as other pool heater systems if you have a heated pool that is not used often.
Get the right pool heater
Choosing the right pool heater for your pool is crucial. You want a pool heater that will save you money on your energy bills and give you the right amount of heat for your swimming needs. Now that you know a little bit more about pool heaters, hopefully you will be able to make an informed decision when taking the plunge into owning your own pool heating system. And if you need additional advice or help while shopping, contact an industry expert who will be willing to take the time to explain the different products and offer additional ideas.